Recipes

Mini Hot Browns

Here is a recipe to help us channel some sun and warmer weather that still has a hearty vibe as we prepare for the cooler months.


Ingredients

1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1/4 cup boiling water
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup half-and-half cream
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
18 slices snack rye bread
6 ounces sliced deli turkey
1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley



Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. Dissolve bouillon in water; set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; add cream and bouillon. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted. Remove from heat.


Place bread on 2 baking sheets. Layer each slice with turkey, onion and cheese mixture. Bake until heated through, 10-12 minutes. (Or preheat broiler and broil until edges of bread are crisp and sauce is bubbly, 3-5 minutes.) Sprinkle with bacon and parsley.


Crafts

Create a Beautiful Bittersweet Wreath for a Stunning Fall Display


Come September, we start thinking about cooler weather, fall leaves, and seasonally appropriate front door wreath and porch decor. This grapevine and bittersweet wreath only requires a few supplies and will hold up all season long.


Start by gathering your supplies.


What You’ll Need




Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you have all your supplies in hand, get crafting! Snip several vines from the wreath form all the way around. Wriggle the vines free from the wreath form. Shape the loose vines into circles and tuck the cut ends back into the wreath form, holding them in pace with brown wrapped floral wire. Next wrap the scarf or ribbon around the wreath form. Tuck sprigs of bittersweet into the grapevine wreath until desired coverage is achieved; hold the sprigs in place with hot glue if needed. Hang from the scarf.

Print

Book Recommendation 

Sunday Times Bestseller ‘A paradigm-smashing chronicle of joyous entanglement’ Charles Foster


Waterstones Non-Fiction Book of the Month (September)

Are trees social beings? How do trees live? Do they feel pain or have awareness of their surroundings?

In The Hidden Life of Trees Peter Wohlleben makes the case that the forest is a social network. He draws on groundbreaking scientific discoveries to describe how trees are like human families: tree parents live together with their children, communicate with them, support them as they grow, share nutrients with those who are sick or struggling, and even warn each other of impending dangers. Wohlleben also shares his deep love of woods and forests, explaining the amazing processes of life, death and regeneration he has observed in his woodland.

A walk in the woods will never be the same again.


Seasonal Tips

Fall 🍂

~Check Heating Systems – Test radiators or furnaces before temperatures drop.
~Prepare for Shorter Days – Add cozy lighting like lamps or string lights.
~Organize Seasonal Clothes – Swap summer wear for warmer layers.

~Inspect Windows & Doors – Look for drafts and consider using weather stripping to keep warm air in.

~Stock Up on Essentials – Have blankets, tea, and cold-weather gear ready.

Pointers for Moving

Before the Move:

  1. Read Your Lease Carefully – Understand your lease terms, including security deposits, move-in dates, and any restrictions.
  2. Notify Current Landlord – Give proper notice as required in your lease to avoid penalties.
  3. Create a Moving Checklist – List all tasks, such as packing, hiring movers, and updating your address, turning on/off utilities. 
  4. Set a Budget – Account for moving costs, security deposit, utility setup fees, and other expenses.
  5. Declutter Before Packing – Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need to lighten your load.
  6. Gather Packing Supplies – Collect boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling.
  7. Label Everything – Clearly mark boxes by room and contents to make unpacking easier.
  8. Take Photos of Your Current Apartment – Document any damages before moving out to ensure you get your security deposit back.


Moving Day:

  1. Pack an Essentials Box – Include toiletries, clothes, chargers, and important documents for easy access.
  2. Use Proper Lifting Techniques – Avoid injuries by lifting with your legs and not your back.
  3. Check Apartment Condition – Inspect your new place for damages and report them to the landlord immediately by filling out the "Move In Inspection/Acceptance Form" and take pictures of damage you note to retain until you vacate the unit. 
  4. Confirm Utility Setups – Ensure water, electricity, internet, and other services are active.
  5. Meet the Neighbors – Introduce yourself to start on a positive note in your new community.


After the Move:

  1. Unpack Strategically – Start with essentials, then move on to other rooms gradually.
  2. Change Your Address – Update it with your bank, employer, subscriptions, and DMV.
  3. Test Appliances and Fixtures – Check if everything is working properly and report issues to your landlord.
  4. Secure Your Home – Check locks on doors and windows to confirm they work properly, check smoke detectors, and familiarize yourself with emergency exits.
  5. Decorate and Organize – Make the space feel like home by arranging furniture and adding personal touches.



Most importantly, take your time, have fun and reach out to your property manager with any questions, or concerns, you have as you acquaint yourself with your new home.